Police hunt bogus Water Board official

Top story

A MAN stole cash from an elderly couple after tricking his way into their Wigan home.

At around 2.30pm on Saturday a man called at a house on Nicol Mere Drive, Bryn, and told the occupants - a 92-year-old man and his 88-year-old wife - that he was from the Water Board.

The offender claimed to know the couple’s son.

He ran the taps in the kitchen and bathroom while moving between rooms.

It wasn’t until after he had left that the couple realised some cash had been stolen.

The offender is described as white, between 20 and 25 years old, of medium build and spoke with a local accent. He was wearing a blue and white cap.

Detective Sergeant Derek Thomas said: “The offender has preyed on an elderly couple and even went so far as to claim he knew their son.

“He has given a plausible account of himself and managed to move about the house looking for cash while pretending to check the water supply.

“It is sickening to think that someone is prepared to carry out such a deliberate and calculated theft on two elderly and lovely people and I would urge anyone with information about this person to call us.

“I would also urge residents not to let anyone into their home without first checking they are a legitimate caller. Always ask for identification and if you remain unsure do not let anyone in. If at any point you are fearful then ring the police immediately.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 7124, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.